[motorcycle.com] - 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Video Review

[Ninjette Newsbot]

The Multistrada has always been an exciting machine. It showcases Ducati’s sporting heritage in an upright touring-focused package that has been an absolute weapon in the canyons for some time thanks to its sporty V-Twin and 17-inch wheel combo. The latter, however, is exactly why the big Ducati could never quite hang with its ADV rivals when the pavement ran out. In addition to the stonking Granturismo V4, which has been specifically designed for adventure touring, the `21 Multi now features a 19/17-inch wheel combo that makes all the difference when the road runs out.

2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Review – First Ride

The new V4 Granturismo boasts a slightly larger, 1158cc displacement thanks to its 2mm larger bores. Stroke and compression ratio remain the same at 53.5mm and 14:1. The V4 Granturismo engine is said to weigh 147 lbs, making it a touch over two pounds lighter than the outgoing Testastretta DVT V2 and five pounds heavier than the Stradale V4. It’s also more compact than the V-Twin. The V4 is 3.3 inches shorter front to back and 3.7 inches shorter in height compared to the Multi 1260’s engine. Width has increased a tad by 0.8 inches. Ducati tells us the Granturismo V4 is cranking out 170 ponies at 10,500 rpm and 92.2 lb-ft at 8750.


A further break with tradition – and a major talking/selling point of the new engine – is the switch to a spring-actuated valve train which allowed Ducati to boost time between service intervals to 37,282 miles (60,000 km). That’s more than double that of the previous Testastretta mill. An enticing feature for riders looking to circumnavigate the globe – which Ducati was quick to mention could be done 1.5 times before the valve train needs service.

In addition to the already staggering list of electronic rider aids and adjustability – including electronic suspension on Ducati Skyhook equipped models – is the inclusion of radar technology not before seen on a motorcycle (a production motorcycle anyway). While we’ve seen this technology for some time in the automotive world, the addition of adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring is an exciting addition to a motorcycle meant to pound out the miles.*



But enough of these silly words, check out our first ride recap and brief discussion with Ducati North America’s Technical Director Richard Kenton, now in moving pictures. If you want the full story with all of the details and specs, you can find it right here on MO.*

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The post 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 Video Review appeared first on Motorcycle.com.



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